I picked this book up in the bargain books area of Borders this past weekend. Several people on Goodreads suggested this as a good reference to find good books and I can see why now after devouring the whole thing in one weekend. In the process I was able to find 12 books to add to my "to read" list - My Left Foot, Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life, Brain Wave, It, and Unless among others.

Anyone who is interested in the lives of authors will love this book. I expected to only find lists of bookI picked this book up in the bargain books area of Borders this past weekend. Several people on Goodreads suggested this as a good reference to find good books and I can see why now after devouring the whole thing in one weekend. In the process I was able to find 12 books to add to my "to read" list - My Left Foot, Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life, Brain Wave, It, and Unless among others.

Anyone who is interested in the lives of authors will love this book. I expected to only find lists of books with boring plot summaries, but found the writing to be interesting and the facts shared about various authors was a bonus. Many of the pages had photos of authors, which I like, being a collector of black and white postcards of favorite authors such as Toni Morrison, Stephen King, Virginia Wolfe, Ernest Hemingway, etc.

My best find was a science fiction book called Brain Wave by Poul Anderson. It centers around the earth's atmosphere changing and causing people and animals to become smarter literally overnight and is told from the viewpoints of several characters who are affected in different ways....more

This is a beautiful book for anyone who loves to read. In my opinion, their selections in the 2 areas with which I am quite familiar, (SciFi and Children's Lit), were extremely accurate. I therefore trust that their choices in other categories, such as History, Memoirs and Diaries, Contemporary Fic, etc., will be just as worth reading when the mood strikes me to venture out of familiar territory. The book is also a sheer physical pleasure to hold and look through.

RenataThank you for the recommendation. I will add it to my list for the next B&N visit. I have also been looking at one called the 101 Most InfluentialThank you for the recommendation. I will add it to my list for the next B&N visit. I have also been looking at one called the 101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived: How characters Out of ficiton, Myth, Legends, Televison, and Movies Have Shaped Our Society...Rather silly title, but interesting to contemplate the effect of ficitonal characters and their real impact on culture. Thought it might both remind me of old favorites and inspire me to check out some new sources....more
Jan 09, 2008 08:10PM

I just ran across this book at a local bookstore and quickly snapped it up. The list contains several books that I've read, more that I haven't, and many that I didn't recognize at all. I'm not simply going to import the list of books into my to-read list, but I do intend eventually to read them all. The list seems like a pretty good one, and the one-page book descriptions (complete with nice illustrations) are very helpful. Not the only possible reading guide, but a very good one!

I used to read Guiness and the Book of Lists, all the editions, as a kid, so you know this is the kind of book I can get totally absorbed in. This collection is a great reference and jumping-off place if you want to expand your literary horizons. There are full color, page-long write ups of great books from around the world, all conveniently separated into categories like Children's Classics, Science Fiction, Classic Fiction, Modern Fiction, and Mysteries. The articles are smart summaries writteI used to read Guiness and the Book of Lists, all the editions, as a kid, so you know this is the kind of book I can get totally absorbed in. This collection is a great reference and jumping-off place if you want to expand your literary horizons. There are full color, page-long write ups of great books from around the world, all conveniently separated into categories like Children's Classics, Science Fiction, Classic Fiction, Modern Fiction, and Mysteries. The articles are smart summaries written by someone who knows and loves literature in all its guises. It's cool seeing "old friends" I read for classes I'd almost forgotten about in college, like Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being," or Grass's "The Tin Drum." But it's also wonderful to find so many great books to add to my lifetime reading list, including things I've never heard of. I found this for less than $10 in the remainder bin. What a deal!...more

I do not profess having read each and every description (at times deliberately, to avoid having entire plots being laid bare). It is a decent enough reference book but I encountered one particularly chilling error which seriously brings into question the credibility of the work as a whole - in the description of 'Slaughterhouse 5' by Kurt Vonnegut, the main protagonist is stated to be "Billy Piper". Holy mother of Zeus it's Billy "Pilgrim" not "Piper". It begs the question, did this particular cI do not profess having read each and every description (at times deliberately, to avoid having entire plots being laid bare). It is a decent enough reference book but I encountered one particularly chilling error which seriously brings into question the credibility of the work as a whole - in the description of 'Slaughterhouse 5' by Kurt Vonnegut, the main protagonist is stated to be "Billy Piper". Holy mother of Zeus it's Billy "Pilgrim" not "Piper". It begs the question, did this particular contributor really read this novel? All I can say is, praise be to (insert applicable god) he didn't get to the bit where Kilgore "Salmon" was introduced. So it goes. ...more

This is a decent sort of reference/flip book to while away spare moments. The entries are arranged by genre and include brief essays along with publication information, further works by the same author and pictures of the author and/or a picture of an edition of the book.

This should be a required book for all goodreads members, not only does it give descriptions of the books, it organizes them into catagories. Reminds you of books you haven't read yet, and of those you've forgotten to put on your lists.

This is a great book for book lovers who are interested in the works of the greatest authors. Like movies, there are just some books that everyone must read, especially those who classify themselves as a bookworm, or the like. Most people from my generation have seen Jurassic Park; most avid readers have read ‘Catcher in the Rye’.

501 Must-Read Books outlines a collection of books from different genres and time periods that have withstood the test of time and still are considered great works of aThis is a great book for book lovers who are interested in the works of the greatest authors. Like movies, there are just some books that everyone must read, especially those who classify themselves as a bookworm, or the like. Most people from my generation have seen Jurassic Park; most avid readers have read ‘Catcher in the Rye’.

501 Must-Read Books outlines a collection of books from different genres and time periods that have withstood the test of time and still are considered great works of art for one reason or another. Some compilations not only show modern and classic literature, but ancient works that are still kicking around today. Each book is reviewed and the contributor explains why the book belongs on this particular list of must-read books. I was fascinated by some of the chosen titles and am really looking forward to working my way through reading these books, one-by-one. I was delighted to find that twenty-six of the 501 books already have a spot on my bookshelf. 475 to go!

Even for those who don’t particularly want to make it a mission to read each of these books, 501 Must-Read Books is still a fun read and exposes people to works that would not have been considered before. I have never considered myself to be a memoir reader, but after reading this list, I’m looking forward to some of the works I’ll be tackling.

And for people who enjoy reading but it’s not a passion, but entertainment, this book makes an attractive coffee table feature to be perused when you have a few spare moments. The articles are short enough to be read in a moment and almost each page has a photo.

My 100th Goodreads review - what better book to talk about than one that is a list of books?

'501 Must-Read Books' is a present from my grandfather for my 22nd birthday. It's a good, comfortable and informative read containing reviews of critically-acclaimed literary works since 2006.

However, it doesn't include Classics such as 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and 'The Count of Monte Cristo', surprisingly. And there aren't many genres that are categorized: some Fantasy novels fall into the Children's andMy 100th Goodreads review - what better book to talk about than one that is a list of books?

'501 Must-Read Books' is a present from my grandfather for my 22nd birthday. It's a good, comfortable and informative read containing reviews of critically-acclaimed literary works since 2006.

However, it doesn't include Classics such as 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and 'The Count of Monte Cristo', surprisingly. And there aren't many genres that are categorized: some Fantasy novels fall into the Children's and Modern Fiction lists.

But apart from slightly questionable choices of works that are 'must-reads' (though the idea is subjective, as are all works of art, after all), '501' is still something to look through again and again. Thanks to this book I know I will not give up reading yet - or ever, 100 reviews or no - as there are a great number of good reads (Goodreads?) worth checking out.

'501' makes me feel able to read, critique and write forever; as they are what I, and others, love to do.

While I often agreed with the authors chosen, I did not always agree with the specific books of these chosen as their "best" works.

I also personally would have re-arranged the genre sections to have a proper non-fiction section.

..and how come we are doing SF and thrillers, but no horror or fantasy? ...for Pete's sake - an iconic author such as Tolkien is included under children's fiction...!! Could the "children's" section not rather have been named: "fantasy" which could have included children'While I often agreed with the authors chosen, I did not always agree with the specific books of these chosen as their "best" works.

I also personally would have re-arranged the genre sections to have a proper non-fiction section.

..and how come we are doing SF and thrillers, but no horror or fantasy? ...for Pete's sake - an iconic author such as Tolkien is included under children's fiction...!! Could the "children's" section not rather have been named: "fantasy" which could have included children's fiction?Non-fantasy children's novels could have been placed in a YA section.

Alternatively, could SF/Fantasy not have been placed together, since there is often a lot of crossover between these 2 genres?

I did not like the "thriller" section either, which seemed rather skewed in favor of early twentieth century detective novels. (...and in spite of that, Miss Marple doesn't even feature! LOL)

Surely, in any case, one must view the books as 'must-read' only if you are interested in the specific genre, so I feel more genres should have been represented here.

On the plus side, for those having nothing else to do, and nothing left to read, every novel gets an informative, succint description, with some brief information on it's author included, making this a useful and interesting, if lightweight reference/coffee table addition to one's library.

The book can be read on its own mainly for entertainment and to fill out any gaps in personal literary knowledge, or can be used as a quick reference book, but it is lacking regarding the satisfaction of anything more serious than idle curiosity, since it most often doesn't even give information on other equally good or famous books a prolific author might have written....more

BillAlso, how many times have you enjoyed your favorite book? Whereas you can enjoy your favorite cocktail 5 or 6 times. In one day. Every day.

I was marveAlso, how many times have you enjoyed your favorite book? Whereas you can enjoy your favorite cocktail 5 or 6 times. In one day. Every day.

I was marveling at the amount of time and effort, reading, it must take before one would gain the confidence to publish an assertion of the 501 must read Books. Then I saw she'd written a book on 501 must taste cocktails and I realized ..well... not necessarily......more
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Feb 26, 2011 01:36PM

No reader will ever agree on which books ought to be classified as ‘must read’. I don’t know about anyone else but as soon as someone recommends a book to me it puts me off reading it. This means, of course, that I have missed out on some excellent reads in the past, that only much later, I have found to be so. But that generally depends upon who recommended them and my age and the context in which they were recommended. I remember a work colleague about twenty years ago being horrified by my adNo reader will ever agree on which books ought to be classified as ‘must read’. I don’t know about anyone else but as soon as someone recommends a book to me it puts me off reading it. This means, of course, that I have missed out on some excellent reads in the past, that only much later, I have found to be so. But that generally depends upon who recommended them and my age and the context in which they were recommended. I remember a work colleague about twenty years ago being horrified by my admission that I couldn’t get on with ‘Birdsong’: I finally tried again about 6 years ago and found it to be excellent – in parts!

This book is a truly weighty tome so not something that you can or would want to carry around with you: it is definitely meant to sit on a coffee table, or reside sturdily on a shelf somewhere. The must-read books are classified into 8 sections comprising; Children’s Fiction, Classic Fiction, History, Memoirs, Modern Fiction, Science Fiction, Thrillers and Travel all capped off with separate book and author indices. Each entry is given its own full page spread and nicely illustrated by the dust jacket of the first edition.

My own sense of outrage was stimulated, initially, by the omission of To Kill a Mockingbird and then fortified by the omissions of Cancer Ward and Dr Zhivago while Captain Correlli’s Mandolin is featured! Well, I guess Lincoln was as wise in this as he was in almost every other way when he (is purported to have) said ‘you can please some of the people some of the time all of the people some of the time some of the people all of the time but you can never please all of the people all of the time’!...more

A Must-Have Book. Well organized into categories by genre. Summaries of each book include character descriptions, plot, and theme or author's intent. This is a book that was difficult to return to the local library. It is definitely one to have as a reference. I especially enjoyed the Classic fiction entries, and the Modern Fiction entries; and to realize books read and those I intend to read in the future.

Gives you an overview of what kind of literature is out there in the world, and a lot of the summaries and reviews that come along with the books they listed gives you a taste of what is to be expected. Basically, it's a really good guide to point you into new directions in what kinds of books or authors you want to read about.

I LOVE book list and books about books. I'm the type of person who strives to own (and read) all the Pulitzers. This book was fun to go through and mark what I've read and what I own and plan to read, and it lead me to make many new literary discoveries. However, when I actually began reading it, I found the text itself was sub-par. The synopses of the individual books spend far too long describing the beginnings of books, but rush through the main plot, followed by a two-sentence “review” on whI LOVE book list and books about books. I'm the type of person who strives to own (and read) all the Pulitzers. This book was fun to go through and mark what I've read and what I own and plan to read, and it lead me to make many new literary discoveries. However, when I actually began reading it, I found the text itself was sub-par. The synopses of the individual books spend far too long describing the beginnings of books, but rush through the main plot, followed by a two-sentence “review” on why the book was good enough to make it into “501 Must Reads”. There are an unacceptable amount of punctuation and capitalization errors. However, I can’t complain too much, considering I got it for $10 on the Borders bargain shelf. ...more

I'm constantly looking for best of lists... Best fiction of... Year, all time best fiction, bestbiography, etc.... on the internet. I usually am dissapointed. I love, love, love this book. The books are great and I've discovered so many new favourites. A great gift for any book lover and lover of lists:-D

just got this book of lists of books today for the most selfish reason of liking the format with pictures. And now am completely seduced by the History list and am wondering when to go to the library and see if by chance any of these fascinating books are there - particularly interested by Carcopino's Daily Life in Ancient Rome, Ferguson's Colossus : The rise and fall of the American Empire and I have to read Bartoleme de las Casas' A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies. One day. Thisjust got this book of lists of books today for the most selfish reason of liking the format with pictures. And now am completely seduced by the History list and am wondering when to go to the library and see if by chance any of these fascinating books are there - particularly interested by Carcopino's Daily Life in Ancient Rome, Ferguson's Colossus : The rise and fall of the American Empire and I have to read Bartoleme de las Casas' A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies. One day. This indulgence was worth it....more

I really enjoyed to read this book. As a German I know a lot of german anthologies and best-book lists, but here I could see another perspective, a perspective from the point of englisch-speaking nations. I rediscovered a lot of good old friends - not only Germans like Erich Kaestner's children books, but also novels like 84 Charing Cross Road, Disgrace... The chapters are very well definded in some fiction and non-fiction areas.Of course, I missed some of my favourites, but every list has to reI really enjoyed to read this book. As a German I know a lot of german anthologies and best-book lists, but here I could see another perspective, a perspective from the point of englisch-speaking nations. I rediscovered a lot of good old friends - not only Germans like Erich Kaestner's children books, but also novels like 84 Charing Cross Road, Disgrace... The chapters are very well definded in some fiction and non-fiction areas.Of course, I missed some of my favourites, but every list has to remain incomplete....more

Great coffee table book. 501 Must Read Books is divided into the following categories: Children's, Classics, History, Memoirs, Modern Lit, Science Fiction, Thrillers and Travel. The author lists the "must read" book, giving some background on the author and the book, as well as a short list of other notable books by the author. I had planned to dip in and out of this book, but found myself actually reading it straight through.

It's my own fault for not realizing this book was published in the UK, but unfortunately, that makes some of the "must-read books" skewed, in my opinion. While some of them would certainly also make it into a US "must-read" book, I doubt all of them would. Therefore, I don't believe this book applies to me, however it does include the Harry Potter books, so that makes it relevant on some level.

I love this book! It's a short (yes, 501 choices is short) collection of book titles with short descriptions. It feels like such an accomplishment to tick off one of these titles. My copy has post-it tags sticking out every where and I've probably read it many times. I got through it every so often to update the books I happen to have read. It's a must-have for book lovers!

Love this book. I found it at Walden Books, on clearance. It gives a very well rounded look at every category of literature. Whenever I don't know what to read next, I whip out this book and in no time, I find myself looking for one of the 501 books at the library. Perfect.

It was neat to discover all these titles that I never knew existed. I was happy to find some of my favorites in there and was surprised that others were not. I assume this book is 501 so and so, because the 1 on the end is the actual book itself.Just my guess.

One of my favorite coffee table books in a long time. Lovingly told with cool pictures of old covers, this book is divided by genres: classics; thrillers, sci-fi, modern novel, etc. Even on rereading it, I get immediately hooked and intrigued to try some new books.

I read through this book a couple years ago and I did not strictly adhere to it, but it gave me some good ideas for books I could read. Sometimes you need to read something other than your Patterson clone or your Stephen King classic...This is truly a neat book.

This book is a book that doesn't need to be read from cover to cover. It is a book to expose readers to other books. It's like '1001 Must Read Books before you Die' but it's shorter and there is no pressure to read all the books before your death.

Note to self....check the publishing site before investing in a book of great books! Very heavily slanted towards Great Britain authors but I did some add some classics to my read list. Donated to public library.